Leigh Ann Russell

This is the first installment in our Energy Executive Insight Series that gives executives at major energy companies an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences about the energy industry, their careers and their organizations. 

What has been the biggest positive energy industry change since the start of your career?

Historically the oil and gas industry has faced challenges recruiting women for their workforce, but in recent years BP has taken steps to reduce these challenges. As a global company, BP works to recruit and retain the best talent reflective of our diverse areas of operation. We believe success comes from the energy of our people and are committed to having a vibrant and diverse workforce. For the first time BP has set internal goals for gender representation and will hold leaders accountable for taking all reasonable steps to seek out suitably qualified women candidates to reach these goals. At present, more than 17 percent of BP’s top 500 leaders and almost 19 percent of its top 5,000 leaders are female, with both ratios rising in the last two years. The industry has come a long way when it comes to diversity of thought and workforce, and through collaboration it can continue to develop for the better.

What is the greatest satisfaction of working in an energy-related field? 

I am very fortunate to have loved every job role I’ve ever had, both at BP and other companies. The range of things you can work on within the engineering field and oil and gas industry is very diverse. Within BP, it’s the people I love and who motivate me the most. They’re really what make it worth getting out of bed every morning and giving every challenge my all. In addition, the diversity of the assets we can work on, the endless possibilities of stimulating careers and the amazing culture and corporate environment really separate BP from others in the industry.

What is your firm’s greatest strength? 

What separates BP from others is the company’s commitment to both technical and leadership training. It’s the best I’ve ever experienced in my career. BP will invest in your development, both to equip you with the technical skills to do your current job and ensure you have a fulfilling and long-term career in line with your strengths and ambitions. This means you can expect world-class training and the flexibility to realize your full potential, whatever direction you want to take.

What do you think the future holds for energy technology? 

In recent years, there have been such tremendous advancements in technology and BP has stayed at the forefront. BP views technology not simply as an “add-on” or a “nice to have,” but as an essential component of its strategy. It is a key to enhancing safe and reliable operations, as well as differentiating itself from our peer companies. At BP, we have placed a sharp focus on Project 20K™, a multi-year initiative to develop next-generation systems and tools to help unlock the next frontier of deepwater oil and gas resources, currently beyond the reach of today’s technology. BP announced the launch of Project 20K™ in February 2012, setting out its intention to develop technologies over the next decade in four key areas: well design and completions; drilling rigs, riser and blowout prevention equipment; subsea production systems; and well intervention and containment. With this project, BP truly is leading the way to the next frontier in deepwater oil and gas development and is tapping into expertise from across the industry to tackle this significant challenge. 

What is your favorite energy-themed film or television show? 

My favorite energy-related movie could only be Armageddon. Being a driller, how could I not like a movie where drillers save the world! 

What is your favorite energy-themed book (fiction or non-fiction)?  

I don’t have any favorite energy-related books, but I have just purchased The Glass Closet by Lord Browne, former CEO of BP. I am really looking forward to reading this. As a huge advocate of improving diversity in the energy industry, this feels ground breaking to me. 

What would you have been if you didn’t work in energy? 

I knew early on that I wanted to be in the energy industry. In part, because my father worked in the energy industry and it seemed fascinating and useful at the same time. I’m doing exactly what I’ve always wanted to do.